It turns out 2023 was the year I was prepared for in post-Covid 2022.

The lows were as low as the highs were high and I know some creatives had to learn new skills to survive. Many changed careers and others realised only multi tasking would help them keep up with the ever increasing cost of living.

I hope everyone learned a lot about themselves and their resilience. Like everyone I’ve had my ups and downs, but my energy and positivity remain buoyant . I think keeping your spirits high is the key to happiness. It’s important to breathe, sleep and look within. Self awareness is crucial to a successful life.

Personally, it was an honour to consult once again with so many people and help them on their creative journey. I have a lot to give, and I realise more than ever how much people need someone to really listen and offer the right advice.

I’ve helped people realise they must always be aware of what and who is out there as well as the opportunities to go for or avoid .

I’ve discussed strategies around how to make their jobs work for them and their employer and I’ve spoken to many employers about retaining staff and offering flexibility.

We started the year celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the Creative Directory and welcomed more wonderful people into our inspirational creative community. If this year is any indication it will continue to go from strength to strength. As will the Assistant Register – a natural home for all emerging photographers.

I delivered talks to students, judged final folio presentations, as well as many national photography awards and was a panel guest at the Ballarat International Foto Biennale. The Brownbill Effect also sponsored many creative awards across the university sector. Working with Swinburne students and starting a TikTok page was  fun, light-hearted, and even silly at times. I loved it.

I’ve also learned I love writing books and completed my second –  ‘Leap Into Your Creative Life’  – this year. It’s aimed at everyone who wants to enter the creative industry at any time in their lives. It joins my first book ‘How to Develop Your Career as a Photographer’.  I am thrilled the new printed version of this e- book has proven so popular.

I want to thank my great team – Sherri, Anne-Maree, Eliza, and Charlotte- and here’s hoping we can fly into 2024 and beyond. I wish the same for everyone and look forward to hearing about your success.